Presidential Candidates React to Ramkalawan’s Withdrawal From Televised Debate
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The decision by Linyon Demokratik Seselwa presidential candidate and incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan not to participate in Friday’s televised debate on the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation has drawn strong criticism and disappointment from rival candidates and parties.
In a letter to SBC’s chief executive Berard Duprès on Tuesday, Mr Ramkalawan said he would not take part under the current format, which allows independent candidates to join the debate. He argued that only candidates with the backing of at least 26 National Assembly candidates should qualify. ‘I do not accept that any candidate, simply because that person has met the requirements for nomination, principally by paying R15,000 and accumulated 500 signatures should be included in the most important debates on the future of our country,’ Mr Ramkalawan wrote.
Lalyans Nouvo Sesel described his move as ‘cowardice disguised as dignity’, accusing him of denying Seychellois the opportunity to compare candidates fairly. Dr Patrick Herminie of United Seychelles said he was disappointed that the incumbent would not be on stage to defend his record, while independent candidate Kisna Louise called the explanation ‘a sad day for our democracy’. Ralph Volcère said it was ‘unfortunate and unbalanced’, noting that in 2020 Mr Ramkalawan debated against Alain St Ange, who had only 18 National Assembly candidates.
Robert Moumou of SPNM said Mr Ramkalawan had long spoken about democracy but was not now following what he had established, and SUM’s Maarco Francis described the decision as a breach of democratic values, saying Seychellois voters would not accept what he described as a ‘dictatorship mentality’. Charles De Clarisse said the president’s excuse ‘does not make sense’ but added that he respects his right to decline.
